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Media interview: PolyU applies groundbreaking body measurement technology to develop compression garments

16 Oct 2025

Research and Innovation

Prof. Joanne Yip, Associate Dean and Professor at the School of Fashion and Textiles at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, has been featured on RTHK’s TV programme “Hong Kong United” to present her team’s pioneering research in body measurement technology. In the interview, Prof. Yip introduced a groundbreaking anthropometric method capable of precisely measuring tissue deformation during movement, opening up new possibilities for functional apparel design.

This research employs an innovative image recognition algorithm that enables precise body measurement by capturing 3D tissue deformation with an accuracy of under 2.36 millimetres in real-time. This dynamic approach tackles a critical issue in sportswear design, such as illfitting garments that can restrict movement and increase the risk of injury, and significantly differs from traditional static scanning methods.

The dynamic technology tracks actual tissue deformation, facilitating the creation of athletic apparel with zoned elasticity for optimal muscle support and the development of medical compression garments with personalised gradient pressure. These features enhance both comfort and therapeutic effectiveness. Such advancements demonstrate how the technology can improve performance, safety, and wellbeing across multiple sectors.

In addition, this research contributes to sustainable innovation within the fashion industry. By enabling the design of personalised functional clothing, the technology supports small and mediumsized enterprises in developing highvalue apparel that meets specific needs while reducing material waste, aligning with broader sustainability goals.

Prof. Yip highlights the transformative potential of advanced measurement technologies in apparel design. Her research not only addresses longstanding challenges in fit and function but also opens new avenues for personalised, highperformance clothing.

 

RTHK Interview Replay (In Chinese Only)

For More:

PolyU research boosts garment fit and performance for sports and medical apparel with groundbreaking anthropometric method to precisely measure tissue deformation


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